Jun 27, 2008

Hendrick, Casey Mears Part Ways

After two mediocre season with one of NASCAR's elite organizations, Rick Hendrick will show Casey Mears the door following the 2008 Sprint Cup season. Mears won the Coca Cola 600 at Charlotte last May, but has failed to measure up to the other drivers that have driven for Hendrick Motorsports since his arrival. Mears' tenure with Hendrick Motorsports began in the 25 ride, and was transferred to the 5 car when Dale Earnhardt, Jr. arrived in 2008.

For some reason, things have not clicked for Mears and Hendrick. Now, Mears must search for another ride. There is speculation that Mears could end up at Richard Childress Racing, but I have a feeling that he is Childress' third or fourth choice. I think Ryan Newman is the driver that Childress covets, but things have yet to fall into place.

Despite the lack of consistency throughout his career, Mears has the ability to attract sponsor, which means that he could be a savior for a team that lacks solid sponsorship, such as DEI or Yates Racing. Also, Penske Racing is another team that may make a bid for Mears. Mears was one of the drivers that was rumored to replace Rusty Wallace three years ago.

Back to the 5 car, it looks as if Mark Martin is going to take over that ride on a full-time basis. Martin just cannot stay away from NASCAR. I think he underestimated his timetable for retirement when he first announced his retirement in 2005. He will warm the seat for Landon Cassill, who will likely take over the 5 ride in 2010. Brad Keselowski is RCR's third choice behind Newman and Martin Truex, Jr. He could end up at RCR or with Tony Stewart's upstart team.